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The Story of the Stone

By Cao Xueqin
Series: The Story of the Stone
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Story of the Stone by Cao Xueqin is a classic Chinese novel exploring the decline of the wealthy Jia family. Set in the 18th century, it intricately weaves themes of love, destiny, and societal status through the experiences and relationships of a large cast of characters. The novel combines rich character development with detailed depictions of everyday life, offering a captivating portrayal of the complexities of human emotions and the inevitable passage of time.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy exploring intricate family sagas set in historical China, rich with cultural detail and social commentary. Its blend of romance, intrigue, and political dynamics offers a captivating depiction of the fall of an aristocratic family, providing a deep and immersive experience in classic literature.

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The Story of the Stone

A novel of Chinese literature that contains the tale of Bao-yu, a gentle young boy who prefers girls to Confucian studies, and his two cousins: Bao-chai, his parents' choice of a wife for him, and the ethereal beauty Dai-yu.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Story of the Stone (c.1760) is one of the greatest novels of Chinese literature. The first part of the story, The Golden Days, begins the tale of Bao-yu, a gentle young boy who prefers girls to Confucian studies, and his two cousins: Bao-chai, his parents' choice of a wife for him, and the ethereal beauty Dai-yu.

Through the changing fortunes of the Jia family, this rich, magical work sets worldly events—love affairs, sibling rivalries, political intrigues, even murder—within the context of the Buddhist understanding that earthly existence is an illusion and karma determines the shape of our lives.

Series: The Story of the Stone

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Story of the Stone by Cao Xueqin is lauded for its rich classical allusions, intricate wordplay, and compelling poetry. It is considered a hallmark of Chinese literature, offering readers an exceptional translation by David Hawkes and John Minford, regarded as one of the finest examples of Chinese-to-English literary translation. Critics highlight that the novel rewards attentive reading, making it a highly recommended read.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140442939

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 13 December 1973

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 374g

Pages: 544

Collections

Cao Xueqin Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Penguin Books Penguin Classics Series: The Story of the Stone

About the Author

Cao Xueqin (1715-63) was born into a family which for three generations held the office of Commissioner of Imperial Textiles in Nanking, a family so wealthy they were able to entertain the Emperor four times. However, calamity overtook them and their property was consfiscated. Cao Xueqin was living in poverty when he wrote his famous novel The Story of the Stone.

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